Confidence Quote by Thomas Merton
““Contemplation is precisely the awareness that this “I” is really “not I” and the awakening of the unknown “I” that is beyond observation and reflection and is incapable of commenting upon itself. It cannot even say “I” with the assurance and the impertinence of the other one, for its very nature is to be hidden, unnamed, unidentified in the society where men talk about themselves and about one another. In such a world the true “I” remains both inarticulate and invisible, because it has altogether too much to say—not one word of which is about itself.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton, 1948
It describes the true self as hidden, beyond ordinary self‑awareness, and unable to be expressed directly.
In simple terms: The real self is unseen and cannot be spoken of.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper self‑knowledge beyond surface identity.
Themes
self‑discovery
identity
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
introspective
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- meditation
- philosophical dialogue
- personal introspection
Key Concepts
non‑dualism
phenomenology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you notice the hidden self in everyday life?
- What limits does labeling the self impose?
A Different Perspective
The concept may be too abstract for practical daily use.
